Commissioning of devices on a lighting communications network

ABSTRACT

Light Emitting Diode (LED) based illumination devices in a lighting communications network may be commissioned into a group with a mobile electronics device, such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, etc. The identities of a plurality of LED illumination devices are determined and a request is communicated to the identified LED based illumination devices to modulate emitted light for a period of time. The modulated light is detected by the mobile electronics device, which may then determine a group of the LED based illumination devices. For example, the detected intensity of the modulated light may be used to determine the group. In another example, the physical locations of the LED based illumination devices are determined by detecting a sequence of images (e.g., video) of the modulated light, and the group may be determined based on the locations of the LED based illumination devices.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.15/055,413, filed Feb. 26, 2016, which, in turn, claims priority under35 USC 119 to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/126,341, filed Feb.27, 2015, and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/275,115, filed Jan.5, 2016, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in theirentireties. This application also claims priority under 35 USC 119 toU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/275,158, filed Jan. 5, 2016, whichis incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The described embodiments relate to illumination modules that includeLight Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

BACKGROUND

The use of LEDs in general lighting is becoming more desirable andprevalent. Typically, LED illumination devices are standalone units. Itis desirable, however, to be able to communicate between devices andwith external devices.

SUMMARY

Light Emitting Diode (LED) based illumination devices in a lightingcommunications network may be commissioned into a group with a mobileelectronics device, such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, etc. Theidentities of a plurality of LED illumination devices are determined anda request is communicated to the identified LED based illuminationdevices to modulate emitted light for a period of time. The modulatedlight is detected by the mobile electronics device, which may thendetermine a group of the LED based illumination devices. For example,the detected intensity of the modulated light may be used to determinethe group. In another example, the physical locations of the LED basedillumination devices are determined by detecting a sequence of images(e.g., video) of the modulated light, and the group may be determinedbased on the locations of the LED based illumination devices.

In one implementation, a method of grouping LED based illuminationsources on a lighting communications network includes determining aplurality of identities, each associated with a different LED basedillumination device on the lighting communications network;communicating a request to each identified LED based illumination deviceto modulate a light emitted from each of the LED based illuminationdevices for a period of time; detecting the modulated light emitted fromeach LED based illumination device; and determining a group of the LEDbased illumination devices based on the detected modulated light and theidentities of the LED based illumination devices.

In one implementation, a mobile electronic device includes a radiofrequency transceiver; a light detector; and one or more processorsconfigured to determine a plurality of identities, each associated witha different LED based illumination device on a lighting communicationsnetwork, based on one or more signals received by the radio frequencytransceiver; communicate a request to each identified LED basedillumination device with the radio frequency transceiver to modulate alight emitted from each of the LED based illumination devices for aperiod of time; detect with the light detector the modulated lightemitted from each LED based illumination device; and determine a groupof the LED based illumination devices based on the detected modulatedlight and the identities of the LED based illumination devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a lighting control and information system including alighting control network.

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary LED based illumination device that includesa Light Control and Data Interface Module (LCDIM) configured to supplyelectrical power to an LED based light engine.

FIG. 3 depicts an environment illuminated by a plurality of LED basedillumination device.

FIG. 4 depicts an LED based illumination device that authenticates amobile electronics device in one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts a point of sale (POS) system and an LED basedillumination device that verifies the proximity of mobile electronicsdevice with respect to the POS system in one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 depicts an LED based illumination device, a mobile electronicsdevice, and a computing system that is communicatively linked to mobilecommunications device over the internet.

FIG. 7 depicts an LED based illumination device, a mobile electronicsdevice, and a building management system that is communicatively linkedto a mobile communications device.

FIG. 8 depicts an environment illuminated by LED based illuminationdevices with a lighting control and communications gateway to bridgecommunications between a lighting control network and a buildingmanagement network.

FIGS. 9 and 10 depict a top view and a side view, respectively, of anLED based illumination device including a LCDIM.

FIG. 11 depicts an exploded view illustrating components of LED basedillumination device as depicted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an LED based light engine.

FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of a luminaire including an LED basedillumination device with a rectangular form factor.

FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of a luminaire including an LED basedillumination device with a circular form factor.

FIG. 15 depicts a side view of a luminaire including an LED basedillumination device integrated into a retrofit lamp device.

FIG. 16 depicts an exemplary mobile electronics device capable ofcommissioning of LED based illumination devices in a lighting controlnetwork as part of a group.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to background examples and someembodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 depicts a lighting control and information system including alighting control network 10 in an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment.Lighting control network 10 is configured as a wireless network (e.g.,Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), etc.) that includes LED based illuminationdevices 100A-C and a lighting control device such as a mobile electronicdevice 140 (e.g., mobile phone, tablet computer, etc.). In some otherembodiments, lighting control network 10 includes a number of LED basedillumination devices and other peripheral devices such as one or moreswitches, occupancy sensors, etc., configured as a wireless network(e.g., BLE, etc.) In some other embodiments, lighting control network 10includes a lighting control and communications gateway (LCCG) 40depicted in FIG. 3.

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary LED based illumination device such as any ofLED based illumination devices 100A-C depicted in FIG. 1 and LED basedillumination devices 100A-H depicted in FIG. 3. LED based illuminationdevices 100A-H includes a Light Control and Data Interface Module(LCDIM) 110 configured to supply electrical power to an LED based lightengine 160, shown with reflector 150. In addition, LCDIM 110 alsointegrates light control, power conversion, data acquisition, dataprocessing, and communication capability. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 2, LCDIM 110 includes an LED driver 121, a power converter 123, aradio frequency transceiver 129 configured to communicate signals 138with other devices on the lighting control network 10, a radio frequencytransceiver 129, a processor 122, a memory 126, and a timer 127configured to communicate over bus 128.

The ability to achieve high speed data communications among LED basedillumination devices on the lighting control network enables additional,data intensive functionality to be added to the LED based illuminationdevices.

In some examples, a LED based illumination device on the lightingcontrol network includes a wireless communications device. In oneexample, the wireless communications device is a short range radiosubsystem that complies with the IEEE 802.15.4 standard. In anotherexample, the wireless communications device is a radio subsystem thatcomplies with the Bluetooth Low Energy standard. The wirelesscommunications device is configured to transmit or receive an amount ofdata from a device that is external to the lighting control network(e.g., a sensor such as a camera, an occupancy sensor, an environmentalsensor, a switch, etc.). Data communicated between this device and theLED based illumination device may be used to control the LED basedillumination devices on the lighting control network.

FIG. 3 depicts an environment 141 illuminated by LED based illuminationdevices 100A-H. In addition, LED based illumination device 100A includesa LCCG 40 to bridge communications between a lighting control networkand a building management network. The lighting control network includesLED based illumination devices 100A-H and mobile electronics device 140.The building management network includes LED based illumination device100A and building management system 400. Mobile electronics device 140(e.g., mobile phone, tablet computer, etc.) includes a camera module andassociated software to identify the presence of LED based illuminationdevices 100A-H including LCCG 40 within environment 141.

In one example, it may be desirable to group LED based illuminationdevices 100A-H and control the light emitted from the LED basedillumination device 100A-H based on triggering events.

In one aspect, mobile electronics device 140 is configured to generateand communicate instructions to LED based illumination devices 100A-Hthat define light control rules that govern the response of each of theLED based illumination devices 100A-H.

As depicted in FIG. 1, mobile electronic device 140 broadcasts signal142. In some embodiments, signal 142 also includes an indication of theidentities of each of the LED based illumination devices participatingin the group (e.g., LED based illumination devices 100A-H), and at leastone lighting control rule. The lighting control rule includes at leastone parameter that defines at least a portion of the light controlresponse of each LED based illumination device. By way of non-limitingexample, a parameter defining at least a portion of the light controlresponse may include any of a fade rate, a target intensity level, and apersistence time.

Signal 142 may not directly reach all of the LED based lighting controldevices. In these examples, some LED based illumination devices receiveand rebroadcast signal 142. In this manner, all LED based illuminationdevices in a group receive the programming information contained insignal 142.

Each of the LED based illumination devices compare their own identities(e.g., physical address, logical address, etc.) with the targetidentities included in signal 142. If there is match, the LED basedillumination device writes the sensor identity and light control rule(s)to their respective memories (e.g., memory 126 depicted in FIG. 2). Inthis manner, each LED based illumination device is configured to respondto control communications and respond in accordance with the programmedlight control rules. In this manner, a mobile communication device maybe employed to flexibly program groups of LED based illumination devicesto respond in a synchronized manner.

Although programming information may be communicated to one or more LEDbased illumination devices by a mobile electronic device, in general,any suitable electronic device (e.g., building management server,networked computer, etc.) may be employed to communicate programminginformation.

In some embodiments, the wireless communications protocol associatedwith the lighting control network 10 is based on the BLE standard. Sucha network is localized and is compatible with many mobile electronicdevices 140. A number of lighting control and data collection functionssuch as commissioning, configuration of groups, control parameterselection, indoor location services, etc., are coordinated by mobileelectronics device 140 on the lighting control network 10.

In one aspect, a request by a mobile electronics device to establish acommunications link on an RF based communications network is opticallyauthenticated by an LED based illumination device.

FIG. 4 depicts a LED based illumination device 100A that authenticates amobile electronics device 140 in one exemplary embodiment. In a step 1,a wireless communications message 210 is communicated from mobileelectronic device 140 to LED based illumination device 100A. Message 210requests that a communications link be established between mobileelectronics device 140 and LED based illumination device 100A. In a step2, LED based illumination device 100A modulates an amount of light 211emitted from LED based illumination device 100A in a manner thatcommunicates an optical code from LED based illumination device 100A. Ina step 3, mobile electronics device 140 detects a portion of themodulated light 211 emitted from LED based illumination device 100A by acamera, or other light sensor on board mobile electronics device 140. Inaddition, the optical code embedded in the captured light is determined,for example, by a processor on board mobile electronics device 140. In astep 4, a wireless communications message 212 is communicated frommobile electronic device 140 to LED based illumination device 100A.Message 212 includes an indication of the optical code determined by theprocessor of mobile electronics device 140. In a step 5, LED basedillumination device 100A determines whether there is a match between theoptical code communicated by emitted light 211 and the indication of theoptical code received from mobile electronics device 140. Thedetermination is made, for example, by processor 122 of LCDIM 110 of LEDbased illumination device 100A. If there is a match, in a step 6, LEDbased illumination device 100A wirelessly communicates a message 213 tomobile electronics device 140. Message 213 includes an indication thatLED based illumination device 100A is establishing a communications linkbetween mobile electronics device 140 and LED based illumination device100A.

In another aspect, the presence of a mobile electronics device in closeproximity to a point of sale (POS) terminal is verified by an LED basedillumination device.

FIG. 5 depicts a POS system 220 and an LED based illumination device100A that verifies the proximity of mobile electronics device 140 withrespect to the POS system 220 in one exemplary embodiment. In a step 1,a POS system 220 communicates a wireless communications message 221 tomobile electronics device 140. Message 221 includes a request thatmobile electronics device 140 initiate a verification of its proximityto POS system 220 with LED based illumination device 100A. In a step 2,wireless communications message 222 is communicated from mobileelectronic device 140 to LED based illumination device 100A. Message 222requests that LED based illumination device 100A verify the proximity ofmobile electronics device 140 to LED based illumination device 100Alocated in close proximity to POS system 220. In a step 3, LED basedillumination device 100A modulates an amount of light 223 emitted fromLED based illumination device 100A in a manner that communicates anoptical code from LED based illumination device 100A. In a step 4,mobile electronics device 140 detects a portion of the modulated light223 emitted from LED based illumination device 100A by a camera, orother light sensor on board mobile electronics device 140. In addition,the optical code embedded in the captured light is determined, forexample, by a processor on board mobile electronics device 140. In astep 5, a wireless communications message 224 is communicated frommobile electronic device 140 to LED based illumination device 100A.Message 224 includes an indication of the optical code determined by theprocessor of mobile electronics device 140. In a step 6, LED basedillumination device 100A determines whether there is a match between theoptical code communicated by emitted light 223 and the indication of theoptical code received from mobile electronics device 140. Thedetermination is made, for example, by processor 122 of LCDIM 110 of LEDbased illumination device 100A. If there is a match, in a step 7, LEDbased illumination device 100A wirelessly communicates a message 225 toPOS system 220. Message 225 includes an indication that mobileelectronics device 140 is in close proximity to a POS terminal of POSsystem 220.

In some examples, multiple LED based illumination devices in closeproximity to a POS terminal of POS system 220 are employed tosequentially transmit optical codes. In these examples, mobileelectronics device 140, not only returns an indication of the opticalcodes, but also an indication of the strength of the optical signaldetected by the mobile electronics device 140. Based on the strength ofsignal information, a processor of one or more of the LED basedillumination devices determines the location of mobile electronicsdevice 140 relative to POS system 220. A more accurate estimate ofrelative position is achieved based on return signals (e.g., signal 224received by multiple LED based illumination devices

In this example, one or more LED based illumination devices are employedto provide an estimate of the proximity of a mobile electronics deviceto a POS system. However, in general, one or more LED based illuminationdevices may be employed to provide an estimate of the proximity of amobile electronics device to any system (e.g., physical security system)in the manner described herein.

In yet another aspect, a mobile electronics device obtains the identityof an LED based illumination device and communicates security codes tothe LED based illumination device. In some embodiments, the securitycodes are obtained from a license server based on the identity of theLED based illumination device.

FIG. 6 depicts an LED based illumination device 100A, a mobileelectronics device 140, and a computing system 230 that iscommunicatively linked to mobile communications device 140 over theinternet 143. In a step 1, wireless communications message 231 iscommunicated from mobile electronic device 140 to LED based illuminationdevice 100A. Message 231 requests that LED based illumination device100A communicate an indication of its identity (e.g., serial number, BLEdevice key, etc.). In a step 2, LED based illumination device 100Amodulates an amount of light 232 emitted from LED based illuminationdevice 100A in a manner that communicates an optical code from LED basedillumination device 100A. In a step 3, mobile electronics device 140detects a portion of the modulated light 232 emitted from LED basedillumination device 100A by a camera, or other light sensor on boardmobile electronics device 140. In addition, the optical code embedded inthe captured light is determined, for example, by a processor on boardmobile electronics device 140. In a step 4, a wireless communicationsmessage 233 is communicated from mobile electronic device 140 to LEDbased illumination device 100A. Message 233 includes an indication ofthe optical code determined by the processor of mobile electronicsdevice 140. In a step 5, LED based illumination device 100A determineswhether there is a match between the optical code communicated byemitted light 233 and the indication of the optical code received frommobile electronics device 140. The determination is made, for example,by processor 122 of LCDIM 110 of LED based illumination device 100A. Ifthere is a match, in a step 6, LED based illumination device 100Awirelessly communicates a message 234 to mobile electronics device 140.Message 234 includes an indication of an identity of LED basedillumination device 100A. In a step 7, mobile electronics device 140communicates a message 235 to computing system 230. Message 235 includesthe indication of the identity of LED based illumination device 100A. Inaddition, message 235, or another separate message, includes a requestthat computing system 230 provide security key codes to enableparticular functionality of LED based illumination device 100A. Inresponse, in a step 8, lighting services tool 238 running on one moreprocessors of computing system 230 generates one or more security keycodes 239. In a step 9, message 236 is communicated from computingsystem 230 to mobile electronics device 140. Message 236 includes anindication of the security key codes generated by computing system 230based on the identity of LED based illumination device 100A. In a step10, mobile electronics device 140 communicates a wireless message 237 toLED based illumination device 100A. Message 237 includes an indicationof the security codes generated by computing system 230. In someexamples, the security codes include any of a device code to unlockbasic operational functionality of LED based lighting device 100A, anetwork code that allows LED based illumination device 100A to connectto a lighting control network (e.g., lighting control network 10), andan application code to enable application services to run on LED basedillumination device 100A. Exemplary application services include dataacquisition and analysis functions, lighting control functions, etc.

In some examples, the generation of security key codes by computingsystem 230 is contingent on additional communications between mobileelectronics device 140 and computing system 230. For example,authentication of mobile electronics device 140 may be required. Inanother example, a financial transaction enabled by communicationbetween mobile electronics device 140 and computing system 230 may berequired before security keys are generated.

In some other embodiments, the security codes are obtained from abuilding management system based on the identity of the LED basedillumination device.

FIG. 7 depicts an LED based illumination device 100A, a mobileelectronics device 140, and a building management system 400 that iscommunicatively linked to mobile communications device 140. In a step 1,wireless communications message 241 is communicated from mobileelectronic device 140 to LED based illumination device 100A. Message 241requests that LED based illumination device 100A communicate anindication of its identity (e.g., serial number, BLE device key, etc.).In a step 2, LED based illumination device 100A modulates an amount oflight 242 emitted from LED based illumination device 100A in a mannerthat communicates an optical code from LED based illumination device100A. In a step 3, mobile electronics device 140 detects a portion ofthe modulated light 242 emitted from LED based illumination device 100Aby a camera, or other light sensor on board mobile electronics device140. In addition, the optical code embedded in the captured light isdetermined, for example, by a processor on board mobile electronicsdevice 140. In a step 4, a wireless communications message 243 iscommunicated from mobile electronic device 140 to LED based illuminationdevice 100A. Message 243 includes an indication of the optical codedetermined by the processor of mobile electronics device 140. In a step5, LED based illumination device 100A determines whether there is amatch between the optical code communicated by emitted light 243 and theindication of the optical code received from mobile electronics device140. The determination is made, for example, by processor 122 of LCDIM110 of LED based illumination device 100A. If there is a match, in astep 6, LED based illumination device 100A wirelessly communicates amessage 244 to mobile electronics device 140. Message 244 includes anindication of an identity of LED based illumination device 100A. In astep 7, mobile electronics device 140 communicates a message 245 tobuilding management system 400. Message 245 includes the indication ofthe identity of LED based illumination device 100A. In addition, message245, or another separate message, includes a request that buildingmanagement system 400 provide security key codes to enable particularfunctionality of LED based illumination device 100A. In response, in astep 8, building management system 400 communicates a message 246 tomobile electronics device 140. Message 246 includes an indication of oneor more security key codes identified by the building management system400 based on the identity of LED based illumination device 100A. In astep 9, message 247 is communicated from mobile electronics device 140to LED based illumination device 100A. Message 247 includes anindication of the security key codes communicated by the buildingmanagement system 400 based on the identity of LED based illuminationdevice 100A.

In some examples, the security codes include any of a device code tounlock basic operational functionality of LED based illumination device100A, a network code that allows LED based illumination device 100A toconnect to a lighting control network (e.g., lighting control network10), and an application code to enable application services to run onLED based illumination device 100A. Exemplary application servicesinclude data acquisition and analysis functions, lighting controlfunctions, etc. In one example, message 247 includes an indication of anetwork code. LED based illumination device 100A transmits a message 248to building management system 400 requesting that LED based illuminationdevice 100A be added to a building management network. In addition,message 248, or a separate message, includes an indication of thenetwork key received from the mobile electronics device 140. Inresponse, building management system 400 sends message 249 to LED basedillumination device 100A indicating that LED based illumination device100A has been added to a building management network.

In another example, LED based illumination device 100A transmits amessage to another LED based illumination device requesting that LEDbased illumination device 100A be added to a lighting control network.In addition, the message, or a separate message, includes an indicationof the network key received from the mobile electronics device 140. Inresponse, LED based illumination device 100A is added to the lightingcontrol network.

In addition, building management system 400 communicates a message 252to computing system 250 requesting that computing system 250 providesecurity key codes to enable particular functionality of various LEDbased illumination devices. In response, lighting services tool 251running on one more processors of computing system 250 generates one ormore security key codes 253. Message 254 is communicated from computingsystem 250 to mobile electronics device 140. Message 254 includes anindication of the security key codes generated by computing system 250.In some examples, the security codes include any of one or more devicecodes to unlock basic operational functionality of one or more LED basedlighting devices, one or more network codes that allow one or more LEDbased illumination devices to connect to a lighting control network(e.g., lighting control network 10), and one or more application codesto enable application services to run on one or more LED basedillumination devices. Exemplary application services include dataacquisition and analysis functions, lighting control functions, etc.

In some examples, the generation of security key codes by computingsystem 250 is contingent on additional communications between buildingmanagement system 400 and computing system 250. For example,authentication of building management system 400 may be required. Inanother example, a financial transaction enabled by communicationbetween building management system 400 and computing system 250 may berequired before security keys are generated.

FIG. 8 depicts an environment 141 illuminated by LED based illuminationdevices 100A-P. In addition, LED based illumination device 100A includesa LCCG 40 to bridge communications between a lighting control networkand a building management network. The lighting control network includesLED based illumination devices 100A-P and mobile electronics device 140.The building management network includes LED based illumination device100A and building management system 400. Mobile electronics device 140(e.g., mobile phone, tablet computer, etc.) includes a camera module andassociated software to identify the presence of LED based illuminationdevices 100A-P including LCCG 40 within environment 141.

Although the authentication functionality, proximity functionality, andauthorization functionality described with reference to FIGS. 4-7 wasillustrated with reference to an individual LED based illuminationdevice, in general, these functionalities may be applied to multiple LEDbased illumination devices in a sequential manner. For example, mobileelectronics device 140 may be configured to participate inauthentication, proximity, and authorization tasks with any of LED basedillumination devices 100A-P.

In another aspect, mobile communication device 140 is configured tomeasure the relative strength of radio communication signals receivedfrom surrounding LED based illumination devices. In one example, mobilecommunication device 140 broadcasts a message requesting that all LEDbased illumination devices that receive the message transmit a responsemessage to the mobile communications device 140 indicating theiridentity. In response, each LED based illumination device transmits amessage to mobile electronics device 140 indicating its identity. Mobileelectronics device 140 receives each of these messages and creates alist of identified LED based illumination devices along with a rankingof the identified LED based illumination devices. The ranking is basedon an indication of the relative strength of the received RF signals.Exemplary indications of relative strength of the radio signals includereceived signal strength indicator (RSSI) data, time of flight data,packet loss data, hop count data, etc.

In another aspect, mobile communications device 140 is configured todetect light emitted from a number of LED based illumination devices andrank the LED based illumination devices based on the detectedintensities or frequencies. In a further aspect, mobile communicationsdevice 140 determines a group of LED based illumination devices based onthe intensity ranking.

In one example, mobile communication device 140 broadcasts a messageidentifying a sequence of specific LED based illumination devices (e.g.,identified by serial number, device identification number, etc.). Eachidentified LED based illumination device receives the message andmodulates its light output for a period of time. In some examples, thelight emitted is dimmed from full intensity to a reduced intensity overa period of time (e.g., dim to 10% intensity over 0.1 seconds). In someother examples, the light emitted is varied in intensity at a fixedfrequency for a period of time, e.g., where each identified LED basedillumination device varies the intensity with a different fixedfrequency. Mobile electronics device 140 detects the intensity of lightcaptured by an imaging or non-imaging sensor of mobile electronicsdevice 140 while the output of each of the LED based illuminationdevices is modulated. Mobile electronics device 140 associates theidentity of each LED based illumination device with a correspondingintensity or frequency reading. Mobile electronics device 140 ranks theidentified LED based illumination devices based on the detectedintensities or frequencies. In one embodiment, mobile electronics device140 determines a group of LED based illumination devices based on therelative values. For example, mobile electronics device 140 maydetermine a group of five lights to include LED based illuminationdevices that have the greatest impact on detected intensity. A messagemay be communicated to these LED based illumination devices indicatingthat they are members of a particular lighting group.

In another aspect, mobile communications device 140 is configured tocapture a sequence of images (e.g., a video) while light emitted from anumber of LED based illumination devices is sequentially modulated. Thelocation of each LED based illumination device in the captured sequenceof images is correlated with an electronic identity of each LED basedillumination device. In a further aspect, mobile communications device140 determines a group of LED based illumination devices based on thelocation of each LED based illumination device in the captured sequenceof images.

In a step 1, mobile communication device 140 broadcasts a message 260identifying a sequence of specific LED based illumination devices (e.g.,identified by serial number, device identification number, etc.). Eachidentified LED based illumination device receives the message andmodulates its light output for a period of time. In some examples, thelight emitted is dimmed from full intensity to a reduced intensity overa period of time (e.g., dim to 10% intensity over 0.1 seconds). In someother examples, the light emitted is varied in intensity at a fixedfrequency for a period of time, where the fixed frequency may bedifferent for each identified LED based illumination device. In a step2, mobile electronics device 140 detects a sequence of images thatcaptures the light 261 emitted from each of the LED based illuminationdevices while their output is modulated. In a step 3, mobile electronicsdevice 140 associates the identity of each LED based illumination devicewith a corresponding position in the sequence of images. Thecorresponding position is the location in the sequence of images wheremodulated light emission from the identified LED based illuminationdevice appears in the image. For example, LED based illumination devices100A-L are identified in particular locations on the sequence of imagesdisplayed on the screen of mobile electronics device 140. In oneembodiment, mobile electronics device 140 determines a group of LEDbased illumination devices based on the sequence of images. For example,mobile electronics device 140 may determine a group of lights 264 toinclude LED based illumination devices A, B, D, and E. In a step 4, amessage 263 is communicated from mobile electronics device 140 to LEDbased illumination devices 100A, 100B, 100D, and 100E indicating thatthey are members of a particular lighting group.

In another example, mobile electronics device 140 may determine thenearest neighbors of a particular LED based illumination device. Forexample, mobile electronics device 140 determines that LED basedillumination devices 100D, 100E, 100F, 100I, 100L, 100K, 100J, and 100Gare nearest to LED based illumination device 100H. In turn, mobileelectronics device 140 transmits a message to LED based illuminationdevice 100H listing these neighboring devices.

FIG. 16 depicts an exemplary mobile electronics device 140 depicted inFIG. 8 and capable of commissioning of LED based illumination devices ina lighting control network as part of a group. Mobile electronics device140 may be, e.g., a mobile phone, tablet computer, etc. The mobileelectronics device 140 includes a radio frequency transceiver 610capable of communicating signals with other LED based illuminationdevices in the lighting control network. In one example, the radiofrequency transceiver 610 may be a short range radio subsystem thatcomplies with the IEEE 802.15.4 standard. In another example, the radiofrequency transceiver 610 may be a radio subsystem that complies withthe Bluetooth Low Energy standard. Other types of radio frequencycommunication may be used as well. The radio frequency transceiver 610is configured to transmit or receive an amount of data from a LED basedillumination devices in the lighting control network. As illustrated,the mobile electronics device 140 additionally, includes a lightdetector 620, which may be an imaging sensor, such as a camera, or anon-imaging sensor, and a user interface 630 that may include e.g., adisplay, a keypad or other input device, such as virtual keypad on thedisplay, through which a user may interface with the mobile electronicsdevice 140. Mobile electronics device 140 may, for example, include oneor more processing units 640, memory 650, and a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium 660. The one or more processing units 642,memory 650, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium 660, as wellas the transceiver 610, camera 620 and user interface 630 may beoperatively coupled with one or more connections 670 (e.g., buses,lines, fibers, links, etc.). In certain example implementations, all orpart of mobile electronics device 140 may take the form of a chipset,and/or the like.

The one or more processing units 640 may be implemented using acombination of hardware, firmware, and software. For example, processingunit 640 may be configured to perform the functions discussed herein byimplementing one or more instructions or program code on thenon-transitory computer-readable medium, such as medium 660 and/ormemory 650. In some embodiments, the one or more processing unit 640 mayrepresent one or more circuits configurable to perform at least aportion of a data signal computing procedure or process related to theoperation of the mobile electronics device 140. For example, in someembodiments, the one or more processing unit 640 may be configured toinclude transmission strength (TX Strength) 642 detector to measure therelative strength of radio communication signals received fromsurrounding LED based illumination devices. By way of example, exemplaryindications of relative strength of the radio signals that may bemeasured include received signal strength indicator (RSSI), time offlight, packet loss, hop count, etc.

The one or more processing unit 640 may be configured to include anintensity detector 644 to detect the intensity of light and/or thefrequency of modulation of the light from the LED based illuminationdevices as received by the light sensor 620. For example, the intensitydetector 644 may detect the intensity of light or the frequency of themodulation of the light as the LED based illumination devices modulatethe light.

The one or more processing unit 640 may be configured to include alocation detector 646 to determine the location of the LED basedillumination devices, e.g., based on where the LED based illuminationdevices appear in a sequence of images (e.g., a video) as the LED basedillumination devices sequentially modulate the emitted light.

The one or more processing unit 640 may be configured to includecorrelation module 648 that correlates one or more of the relativestrength of the received RF signals (e.g., from TX strength 642), theintensity or frequency of modulation of the light (e.g., from intensitydetector 644), and/or the locations of the imaged LED based illuminationdevices (e.g., from location detector 646) with the identifiers of theLED based illumination devices as received by the transceiver 610. Thecorrelation module 648 may rank the LED based illumination devices,e.g., based on the relative strength of the received RF signals or theintensity reading.

The one or more processing unit 640 may be configured to include agrouping module 649 that receives the correlations from the correlationmodule 648 and determines a group of LED based illumination devicesbased on the relative strength of the received RF signals, the intensityor frequency readings, and/or the locations of the imaged LED basedillumination devices. The grouping module 649 may cause the transceiver610 to communicate to LED based illumination devices indicating thatthey are members of a particular lighting group.

FIGS. 9 and 10 depict a top view and a side view, respectively, of anLED based illumination device 200 including a LCDIM. An example of sucha lighting device is the Xicato Intelligent Module (XIM) manufactured byXicato, Inc., San Jose, Calif. (USA).

FIG. 11 depicts an exploded view illustrating components of LED basedillumination device 200 as depicted in FIG. 2. As depicted in FIG. 11,LED based illumination device 200 includes LED based light engine 160,LCDIM 110, including primary ECB 120 and peripheral ECB 130, heat sink101, mounting plate 102, and housing 103.

The assembled LED based illumination device 200 mechanically integratesthe LED based light engine 160 with the LCDIM within a common housing.However, in general, one or more components of LED based illuminationdevice 200 may be mechanically separated from the others. In theseembodiments, one or more components may be separately located on a lightfixture and electrically coupled to the other components by suitablewiring and connectors. In some embodiments, LED based light engine 160is assembled within a simple housing to facilitate attachment to a heatsink. An example of such a lighting device is the Xicato Thin Module(XTM) manufactured by Xicato, Inc., San Jose, Calif. (USA). In thisexample, one or more components of LCDIM 110 are packaged in a separatehousing, and this assembly is electrically coupled to the LED basedlight engine by a wired connection.

It should be understood that as defined herein an LED based illuminationdevice is not an LED, but is an LED light source or fixture or componentpart of an LED light source or fixture. As depicted in FIGS. 9-11, LEDbased illumination device 200 includes an LED based light engine 160configured to generate an amount of light. LED based light engine 160 iscoupled to heat sink 101 to promote heat extraction from LED based lightengine 160. Primary ECB 120 and peripheral ECB 130 are shaped to fitaround heat sink 101. LED based light engine 160, primary ECB 120,peripheral ECB 130, and heat sink 101 are enclosed between mountingplate 102 and housing 103. An optional reflector retainer (not shown) iscoupled to housing 103. The reflector retainer is configured tofacilitate attachment of different reflectors to the LED basedillumination device 200.

In some embodiments, it is advantageous to separate the electronicfunctionality of LCDIM 110 across two or more electrical circuit boards,as depicted in FIG. 7, to minimize logistical complexity. For example,in a network of LED based illumination devices, certain devices mayinclude different functionality than others. Common functionality isincluded on the primary ECB associated with each device. In this mannereach manufactured device includes the same primary ECB. However,differing functionality is included in a different peripheral ECB. Inthis manner, one of more different devices may include differentperipheral ECBs. Many different configurations may be contemplated. Ingeneral, the electronic functionality of LCDIM 110 as described hereinmay be distributed across any number of components in any suitablemanner.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, LED driver 121 is configured tosupply power to one or more LEDs of the LED based light engine 160 overa wired connection 124 between LCDIM 110 and LED based light engine 160.In one embodiment, LED driver 121 is a direct current to direct current(DC/DC) power converter. The DC/DC power converter receives electricalpower signals 111 (e.g., 48 Volt supply voltage) supplied to LCDIM 110.The electrical power signals 111 are processed by the DC/DC powerconverter to generate current signals 125 supplied to the LEDs of LEDbased light engine 160. In some other embodiments, LED driver 121 isconfigured as an AC/DC power converter configured to convert AC inputpower signals to DC current signals supplied to the LEDs of LED basedlight engine 160. In some other embodiments, LED driver 121 isconfigured as an AC/AC power converter configured to convert AC inputpower signals to AC current signals supplied to the LEDs of LED basedlight engine 160 (e.g., when LED based light engine 160 includes ACLEDs).

In another aspect, LCDIM 110 includes a power converter 123 configuredto supply low voltage electrical power signals to the components ofLCDIM 110. In this manner, electrical power signals 111 can be used tosupply electrical power to LED driver 121 and electrical power to thelow voltage components of LCDIM 110 after power conversion by powerconverter 123. In some embodiments, power converter 123 is a DC/DC powerconverter that steps down the voltage of electrical power signals 111 toa low voltage range (e.g., less than five volts) suitable for poweringthe electronic circuitry of LCDIM 110.

LCDIM 110 includes a wireless communications interface to a lightingcontrol network. In some embodiments the wireless communicationsinterface is configured to transmit and receive communications signals138. The wireless communications interface includes a wirelesstransceiver 129 operable in accordance with a wireless communicationsprotocol (e.g., BLE), and one or more associated antennas 136 mounted toLED based illumination device 100.

In some embodiments, one or more antennas are mounted to the externalfacing surface(s) of LED based illumination device 100 to maximizecommunication efficiency between LED based illumination device 100 and aremotely located communications device (e.g., another LED basedillumination device, a sensor module, a mobile phone, a router, or otherdigital system). In some embodiments, an antenna is integrated into theperipheral ECB 130. In some other embodiments, the antenna is integratedinto the primary ECB 120. In some other embodiments, the antenna isintegrated into housing 103, for example, by molding the antenna intothe housing structure or attaching the antenna to a surface of thehousing structure. In some other embodiments, the antenna is integratedinto the mounting board of the LED based light engine 160.

As depicted in FIG. 2, LCDIM 110 includes an internal communications bus128 coupled to various components including processor 122, memory 126,timer 127, power converter 123, transceiver 129, and LED driver 121.

In a further aspect, memory 126 stores identification data, operationaldata such as temperature history, current history, etc. For example, anidentification number, a network security key, commissioninginformation, etc. may be stored on memory 126.

In some embodiments, communication of lighting control and statusinformation involves a lighting control and communications gateway(LCCG) 40 depicted in FIG. 3. The LCCG 40 may be present on-board an LEDbased illumination device (e.g., LED based illumination device 100A), ormay be arranged separately.

In some examples, LCCG 40 communicates data generated by LED basedillumination devices 100A-C, and attached sensors, to a buildingmanagement system.

In a further aspect, the amount of data communicated between LCCG 40 andbuilding management system 400 is reduced by caching data associatedwith each LED based illumination device 100A-H on LCCG 40 for readyaccess by the building management system 400. In this manner, eachrequest for data from the building management system 400 does notrequire a communication with each individual LED based illuminationdevice to obtain the desired data. In some examples, LCCG 40 isconfigured to respond to a request for data by the building managementsystem 400 based on cached data stored on LCCG 40 without having toinitiate additional communications with other LED based illuminationdevices (e.g., LED based illumination devices 100A-H.

In some embodiments, any number of parameters associated with one ormore LED based illumination devices in lighting control network 10 arecommunicated to LCCG 40 using BLE packet structures. The parameters arestored in a memory of LCCG 40.

By way of non-limiting example, information communicated from each LEDbased illumination device to LCCG 40 may include any of: a voltagesupplied to one or more LEDs of the LED based illumination device, acurrent supplied to the one or more LEDs of the LED based illuminationdevice, an electrical power consumed by the LED based illuminationdevice, a temperature of the LED based illumination device, a time whenthe LED based illumination device transitions from an active state to aninactive state, and a time when the LED based illumination devicetransitions from an inactive state to an active state.

Status information communicated from each LED based illumination deviceto LCCG 40 is stored in memory 126 of LCCG 40 for several purposes. Inone example, the status information is stored for rapid access andresponse to a request for status information by a building managementsystem 400. For example, LCCG 40 is configured to receive a request forinformation associated with an LED based illumination device from thebuilding management system 400. LCCG 40 is configured to determine aresponse to the request based on data stored in the memory of LCCG 40and transmit the response to the building management system 400. Forexample, the temperature of LED based illumination device 100B isperiodically reported to LCCG 40 over lighting control network 10 andstored in a memory of LCCG 40. At a point in time, a request 43 toreport the temperature of LED based illumination device 100B is receivedby LCCG 40 from building management system 400. In response, LCCG 40reads out the latest temperature value stored in memory and communicatesthis value to building management system 400.

In another example, status information stored on LCCG 40 is rapidlycommunicated to the building management system 400 without specificrequest. For example, at a point in time LCCG 40 receives a shutdownflag from LED based illumination device 100B followed by an error code.The error code is stored in a memory of LCCG 40. However, in addition,LCCG 40 rapidly communicates the error code to building managementsystem 400 for logging and reporting purposes. By way of non-limitingexample, an error code is indicative of any of an operating temperatureexceeding a threshold value, an operating voltage exceeding a thresholdvalue, an operating voltage below a threshold value, an operatingcurrent exceeding a threshold value, an operating current below athreshold value.

In yet another example, the status information is stored on LCCG 40 forfurther processing to generate summary status values based on the storedstatus information. For example, the total amount of time that the LEDbased illumination device 100B has been in an active state may becomputed based on the times between transitions from an inactive stateto an active state and transitions from an active state to an inactivestate. For example, both shutdown and restart events are reported toLCCG 40 by LED based illumination device 100B over the lighting controlnetwork 10. LCCG 40 includes a real time clock 44 and is configured toassociate the current time with each of the reported shutdown andrestart events and store these times in memory. Thus, the timesassociated with transitions from an inactive state to an active stateand transitions from an active state to an inactive state are stored ina memory of LCCG 40. At a point in time, LCCG 40 receives a request toreport the total run time of LED based illumination device 100B frombuilding management system 400. In response, LCCG 40 is configured tocompute and report the total amount of time that the LED basedillumination device 100B has been in an active state based on the timesbetween transitions from an inactive state to an active state andtransitions from an active state to an inactive state that are stored inmemory 126.

In a further aspect, LCCG 40 is configured to assign a plurality ofinternet protocol addresses each associated with a plurality of LEDbased illumination devices coupled to the lighting control network. Inthis manner, from the perspective of a device operating on the buildingmanagement network, each LED based illumination device coupled to thelighting control network appears directly visible and accessible.However, in reality, all requests for information associated with aparticular LED based illumination device are received by LCCG 40 andresponses to these requests are generated based, either directly orindirectly, on status information cached in memory 126 of LCCG 40.

In another aspect, a real time clock is maintained on LCCG 40 and thedate and time are periodically transmitted to each LED basedillumination device on the lighting control network. The real time clockis configured to maintain a current date and time of day, and isperiodically synchronized with a time server accessible, for example,through the building management system 400. In addition, the currentdate and time of day maintained by LCCG 40 are periodically communicatedto each LED based illumination device on the lighting control network.In particular, the current date and time of day is communicated to a LEDbased illumination device in response to receiving a message from theLED based illumination device indicating that the LED based illuminationdevice has transitioned from an inactive state to an active state. Inother words, when the LED based illumination device transitions from apowered down state, the current date and time of day are reported to theLED based illumination device so that the device can track its operationin real time.

In some examples, each LED based illumination device on the lightingcontrol network reports the time and date associated with a transitionfrom an active state to an inactive state, such as a shutdown event, oran error event to LCCG 40. LCCG 40 stores this time and date in memory.LCCG 40 may report the stored time and date back to each respective LEDbased illumination device in the lighting control network upon restartor clearing of the error event. In this manner, each LED basedillumination device may determine the amount of time it was in an “off”state based on the recalled time and date and the current time and datereported by LCCG 40.

FIG. 12 is illustrative of LED based light engine 160 in one embodiment.LED based light engine 160 includes one or more LED die or packaged LEDsand a mounting board to which LED die or packaged LEDs are attached. Inaddition, LED based light engine 160 includes one or more transmissiveelements (e.g., windows or sidewalls) coated or impregnated with one ormore wavelength converting materials to achieve light emission at adesired color point.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, LED based light engine 160 includes a numberof LEDs 162A-F mounted to mounting board 164 in a chip on board (COB)configuration. The spaces between each LED are filled with a reflectivematerial 176 (e.g., a white silicone material). In addition, a dam ofreflective material 175 surrounds the LEDs 162 and supports transmissiveelement 174, sometimes referred to as a transmissive plate. The spacebetween LEDs 162 and transmissive element 174 is filled with anencapsulating optically translucent material 177 (e.g., silicone) topromote light extraction from LEDs 162 and to separate LEDs 162 from theenvironment. In the depicted embodiment, the dam of reflective material175 is both the thermally conductive structure that conducts heat fromtransmissive plate 174 to LED mounting board 164 and the opticallyreflective structure that reflects incident light from LEDs 162 towardtransmissive plate 174.

LEDs 162 can emit different or the same colors, either by directemission or by phosphor conversion, e.g., where phosphor layers areapplied to the LEDs as part of the LED package. The illumination device100 may use any combination of colored LEDs 162, such as red, green,blue, ultraviolet, amber, or cyan, or the LEDs 162 may all produce thesame color light. Some or all of the LEDs 162 may produce white light.In addition, the LEDs 162 may emit polarized light or non-polarizedlight and LED based illumination device 100 may use any combination ofpolarized or non-polarized LEDs. In some embodiments, LEDs 162 emiteither blue or UV light because of the efficiency of LEDs emitting inthese wavelength ranges. The light emitted from the illumination device100 has a desired color when LEDs 162 are used in combination withwavelength converting materials on transmissive plate 174, for example.By tuning the chemical and/or physical (such as thickness andconcentration) properties of the wavelength converting materials and thegeometric properties of the coatings on the surface of transmissiveplate 174, specific color properties of light output by LED basedillumination device 100 may be specified, e.g., color point, colortemperature, and color rendering index (CRI).

For purposes of this patent document, a wavelength converting materialis any single chemical compound or mixture of different chemicalcompounds that performs a color conversion function, e.g., absorbs anamount of light of one peak wavelength, and in response, emits an amountof light at another peak wavelength.

By way of example, phosphors may be chosen from the set denoted by thefollowing chemical formulas: Y₃Al₅O₁₂:Ce, (also known as YAG:Ce, orsimply YAG) (Y,Gd)₃Al₅O₁₂:Ce, CaS:Eu, SrS:Eu, SrGa₂S₄:Eu,Ca₃(Sc,Mg)₂Si₃O₁₂:Ce, Ca₃Sc₂Si₃O₁₂:Ce, Ca₃Sc₂O₄:Ce, Ba₃Si₆O₁₂N₂:Eu,(Sr,Ca)AlSiN₃:Eu, CaAlSiN₃:Eu, CaAlSi(ON)₃:Eu, Ba₂SiO₄:Eu, Sr₂SiO₄:Eu,Ca₂SiO₄:Eu, CaSc₂O₄:Ce, CaSi₂O₂N₂:Eu, SrSi₂O₂N₂:Eu, BaSi₂O₂N₂:Eu,Ca₅(PO₄)₃C1:Eu, Ba₅(PO₄)₃C1:Eu, Cs₂CaP₂O₇, Cs₂SrP₂O₇, Lu₃Al₅O₁₂:Ce,Ca₈Mg(SiO₄)₄C1 ₂:Eu, Sr₈Mg(SiO₄)₄C1 ₂:Eu, La₃Si₆N₁₁:Ce, Y₃Ga₅O₁₂:Ce,Gd₃Ga₅O₁₂:Ce, Tb₃Al₅O₁₂:Ce, Tb₃Ga₅O₁₂:Ce, and Lu₃Ga₅O₁₂:Ce.

In one example, the adjustment of color point of the illumination devicemay be accomplished by adding or removing wavelength converting materialfrom transmissive plate 174. In one embodiment a red emitting phosphor181 such as an alkaline earth oxy silicon nitride covers a portion oftransmissive plate 174, and a yellow emitting phosphor 180 such as a YAGphosphor covers another portion of transmissive plate 174.

In some embodiments, the phosphors are mixed in a suitable solventmedium with a binder and, optionally, a surfactant and a plasticizer.The resulting mixture is deposited by any of spraying, screen printing,blade coating, jetting, or other suitable means. By choosing the shapeand height of the transmissive plate 174, and selecting which portionsof transmissive plate 174 will be covered with a particular phosphor ornot, and by optimization of the layer thickness and concentration of aphosphor layer on the surfaces, the color point of the light emittedfrom the device can be tuned as desired.

In one example, a single type of wavelength converting material may bepatterned on a portion of transmissive plate 174. By way of example, ared emitting phosphor 181 may be patterned on different areas of thetransmissive plate 174 and a yellow emitting phosphor 180 may bepatterned on other areas of transmissive plate 174. In some examples,the areas may be physically separated from one another. In some otherexamples, the areas may be adjacent to one another. The coverage and/orconcentrations of the phosphors may be varied to produce different colortemperatures. It should be understood that the coverage area of the redand/or the concentrations of the red and yellow phosphors will need tovary to produce the desired color temperatures if the light produced bythe LEDs 162 varies. The color performance of the LEDs 162, red phosphorand the yellow phosphor may be measured and modified by any of adding orremoving phosphor material based on performance so that the finalassembled product produces the desired color temperature.

Transmissive plate 174 may be constructed from a suitable opticallytransmissive material (e.g., sapphire, quartz, alumina, crown glass,polycarbonate, and other plastics). Transmissive plate 174 is spacedabove the light emitting surface of LEDs 162 by a clearance distance. Insome embodiments, this is desirable to allow clearance for wire bondconnections from the LED package submount to the active area of the LED.In some embodiments, a clearance of one millimeter or less is desirableto allow clearance for wire bond connections. In some other embodiments,a clearance of two hundred microns or less is desirable to enhance lightextraction from the LEDs 162.

In some other embodiments, the clearance distance may be determined bythe size of the LED 162. For example, the size of the LED 162 may becharacterized by the length dimension of any side of a single, squareshaped active die area. In some other examples, the size of the LED 162may be characterized by the length dimension of any side of arectangular shaped active die area. Some LEDs 162 include many activedie areas (e.g., LED arrays). In these examples, the size of the LED 162may be characterized by either the size of any individual die or by thesize of the entire array. In some embodiments, the clearance should beless than the size of the LED 162. In some embodiments, the clearanceshould be less than twenty percent of the size of the LED 162. In someembodiments, the clearance should be less than five percent of the sizeof the LED. As the clearance is reduced, light extraction efficiency maybe improved, but output beam uniformity may also degrade.

In some other embodiments, it is desirable to attach transmissive plate174 directly to the surface of the LED 162. In this manner, the directthermal contact between transmissive plate 174 and LEDs 162 promotesheat dissipation from LEDs 162. In some other embodiments, the spacebetween mounting board 164 and transmissive plate 174 may be filled witha solid encapsulate material. By way of example, silicone may be used tofill the space. In some other embodiments, the space may be filled witha fluid to promote heat extraction from LEDs 162.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, the surface of patternedtransmissive plate 174 facing LEDs 162 is coupled to LEDs 162 by anamount of flexible, optically translucent material 177. By way ofnon-limiting example, the flexible, optically translucent material 177may include an adhesive, an optically clear silicone, a silicone loadedwith reflective particles (e.g., titanium dioxide (TiO2), zinc oxide(ZnO), and barium sulfate (BaSO4) particles, or a combination of thesematerials), a silicone loaded with a wavelength converting material(e.g., phosphor particles), a sintered PTFE material, etc. Such materialmay be applied to couple transmissive plate 174 to LEDs 162 in any ofthe embodiments described herein.

In some embodiments, multiple, stacked transmissive layers are employed.Each transmissive layer includes different wavelength convertingmaterials. For example, a transmissive layer including a wavelengthconverting material may be placed over another transmissive layerincluding a different wavelength converting material. In this manner,the color point of light emitted from LED based illumination device 100may be tuned by replacing the different transmissive layersindependently to achieve a desired color point. In some embodiments, thedifferent transmissive layers may be placed in contact with each otherto promote light extraction. In some other embodiments, the differenttransmissive layers may be separated by a distance to promote cooling ofthe transmissive layers. For example, airflow may by introduced throughthe space to cool the transmissive layers.

The mounting board 164 provides electrical connections to the attachedLEDs 162 to a power supply (not shown). In one embodiment, the LEDs 162are packaged LEDs, such as the Luxeon Rebel manufactured by PhilipsLumileds Lighting. Other types of packaged LEDs may also be used, suchas those manufactured by OSRAM (Ostar package), Luminus Devices (USA),Cree (USA), Nichia (Japan), or Tridonic (Austria). As defined herein, apackaged LED is an assembly of one or more LED die that containselectrical connections, such as wire bond connections or stud bumps, andpossibly includes an optical element and thermal, mechanical, andelectrical interfaces. The LEDs 162 may include a lens over the LEDchips. Alternatively, LEDs without a lens may be used. LEDs withoutlenses may include protective layers, which may include phosphors. Thephosphors can be applied as a dispersion in a binder, or applied as aseparate plate. Each LED 162 includes at least one LED chip or die,which may be mounted on a submount. The LED chip typically has a sizeabout 1 mm by 1 mm by 0.5 mm, but these dimensions may vary. In someembodiments, the LEDs 162 may include multiple chips. The multiple chipscan emit light similar or different colors, e.g., red, green, and blue.The LEDs 162 may emit polarized light or non-polarized light and LEDbased illumination device 100 may use any combination of polarized ornon-polarized LEDs. In some embodiments, LEDs 162 emit either blue or UVlight because of the efficiency of LEDs emitting in these wavelengthranges. In addition, different phosphor layers may be applied ondifferent chips on the same submount. The submount may be ceramic orother appropriate material. The submount typically includes electricalcontact pads on a bottom surface that are coupled to contacts on themounting board 164. Alternatively, electrical bond wires may be used toelectrically connect the chips to a mounting board. Along withelectrical contact pads, the LEDs 162 may include thermal contact areason the bottom surface of the submount through which heat generated bythe LED chips can be extracted. The thermal contact areas are coupled toheat spreading layers on the mounting board 164. Heat spreading layersmay be disposed on any of the top, bottom, or intermediate layers ofmounting board 164. Heat spreading layers may be connected by vias thatconnect any of the top, bottom, and intermediate heat spreading layers.

In some embodiments, the mounting board 164 conducts heat generated bythe LEDs 162 to the sides of the board 164 and the bottom of the board164. In one example, the bottom of mounting board 164 may be thermallycoupled to a heat sink, or a lighting fixture and/or other mechanisms todissipate the heat, such as a fan. In some embodiments, the mountingboard 164 conducts heat to a heat sink thermally coupled to the top ofthe board 164. Mounting board 164 may be an FR4 board, e.g., that is 0.5mm thick, with relatively thick copper layers, e.g., 30 micrometers to100 micrometers, on the top and bottom surfaces that serve as thermalcontact areas. In other examples, the board 164 may be a metal coreprinted circuit board (PCB) or a ceramic submount with appropriateelectrical connections. Other types of boards may be used, such as thosemade of alumina (aluminum oxide in ceramic form), or aluminum nitride(also in ceramic form).

Mounting board 164 includes electrical pads to which the electrical padson the LEDs 162 are connected. The electrical pads are electricallyconnected by a metal, e.g., copper, trace to a contact, to which a wire,bridge or other external electrical source is connected. In someembodiments, the electrical pads may be vias through the board 164 andthe electrical connection is made on the opposite side, i.e., thebottom, of the board. Mounting board 164, as illustrated, is rectangularin dimension. LEDs 162 mounted to mounting board 164 may be arranged indifferent configurations on rectangular mounting board 164. In oneexample LEDs 162 are aligned in rows extending in the length dimensionand in columns extending in the width dimension of mounting board 164.In another example, LEDs 162 are arranged in a hexagonally closelypacked structure. In such an arrangement each LED is equidistant fromeach of its immediate neighbors. Such an arrangement is desirable toincrease the uniformity and efficiency of emitted light.

FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 illustrate three exemplary luminaires. Luminaire350 illustrated in FIG. 9 includes an illumination module 300 with arectangular form factor. The luminaire 450 illustrated in FIG. 10includes an illumination module 410 with a circular form factor. Theluminaire 550 illustrated in FIG. 11 includes an illumination module 500integrated into a retrofit lamp device. These examples are forillustrative purposes. Examples of illumination modules of generalpolygonal and elliptical shapes may also be contemplated.

Luminaires 350, 450, and 550 include illumination modules 300, 410, and500, reflectors 302, 402, and 502, and light fixtures 301, 401, and 501,respectively. As depicted, the light fixtures include a heat sinkcapability, and therefore may be sometimes referred to as a heat sink.However, the light fixtures may include other structural and decorativeelements (not shown). The reflectors are mounted to the illuminationmodules to collimate or deflect light emitted from each illuminationmodule. Reflectors may be made from a thermally conductive material,such as a material that includes aluminum or copper and may be thermallycoupled to each illumination module. Heat flows by conduction throughthe illumination module and the thermally conductive reflector. Heatalso flows via thermal convection over the reflector. Reflectors may becompound parabolic concentrators, where the concentrator is constructedof or coated with a highly reflecting material. Optical elements, suchas a diffuser or reflector may be removably coupled to an illuminationmodule, e.g., by means of threads, a clamp, a twist-lock mechanism, orother appropriate arrangement. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the reflector502 may include sidewalls 503 and a window 504 that are optionallycoated, e.g., with a wavelength converting material, diffusing materialor any other desired material.

As depicted in FIGS. 13, 14, and 15, the illumination module is mountedto a heat sink. The heat sink may be made from a thermally conductivematerial, such as a material that includes aluminum or copper and may bethermally coupled to an illumination module. Heat flows by conductionthrough an illumination module and the thermally conductive heat sink.Heat also flows via thermal convection over the heat sink. Eachillumination module may be attached to a heat sink by way of screwthreads to clamp the illumination module to the heat sink. To facilitateeasy removal and replacement, the illumination module may be removablycoupled to the heat sink, e.g., by means of a clamp mechanism, atwist-lock mechanism, or other appropriate arrangement. The illuminationmodule includes at least one thermally conductive surface that isthermally coupled to the heat sink, e.g., directly or using thermalgrease, thermal tape, thermal pads, or thermal epoxy. For adequatecooling of the LEDs, a thermal contact area of at least 50 squaremillimeters, but preferably 100 square millimeters should be used perone watt of electrical energy flow into the LEDs on the board. Forexample, in the case when 20 LEDs are used, a 1000 to 2000 squaremillimeter heatsink contact area should be used. Using a larger heatsink may permit the LEDs to be driven at higher power, and also allowsfor different heat sink designs. For example, some designs may exhibit acooling capacity that is less dependent on the orientation of the heatsink. In addition, fans or other solutions for forced cooling may beused to remove the heat from the device. The bottom heat sink mayinclude an aperture so that electrical connections can be made to theillumination module.

Although certain specific embodiments are described above forinstructional purposes, the teachings of this patent document havegeneral applicability and are not limited to the specific embodimentsdescribed above. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations, andcombinations of various features of the described embodiments can bepracticed without departing from the scope of the invention as set forthin the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of grouping LED based illuminationsources on a lighting communications network, comprising: determining aplurality of identities, each associated with a different LED basedillumination device on the lighting communications network;communicating a request to each identified LED based illumination deviceto modulate a light emitted from each of the LED based illuminationdevices for a period of time; detecting the modulated light emitted fromeach LED based illumination device; and determining a group of the LEDbased illumination devices based on the detected modulated light and theidentities of the LED based illumination devices.
 2. The method of claim1, wherein determining the plurality of identities comprises:broadcasting a request that any LED based illumination device thatreceives the request transmits a response providing its identity; andreceiving responses with the plurality of identities for a plurality ofLED based illumination devices.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein therequest to modulate the light emitted from each of the LED basedillumination devices for the period of time comprises one of a requestto dim the light over the period of time or a request for a variation inintensity at a fixed frequency for the period of time.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising communicating a message to the LED basedillumination devices in the group indicating that they are members ofthe group.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting the modulatedlight emitted from each LED based illumination device comprisesdetecting an intensity or frequency of the modulated light emitted fromeach LED based illumination device, the method further comprising:associating an identity of each identified LED based illuminationdevices with each detected intensity; wherein determining the group ofthe LED based illumination devices based on the detected modulated lightand the identities of the LED based illumination devices comprisesdetermining the group of the LED based illumination devices based on theidentities of the LED based illumination devices and associated detectedintensities or frequencies.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein themodulated light emitted from each LED based illumination device isdetected with an imaging or non-imaging sensor.
 7. The method of claim5, wherein determining the group of the LED based illumination devicesbased on the identities of the LED based illumination devices and theassociated detected intensities or frequencies uses relative values. 8.The method of claim 1, wherein detecting the modulated light emittedfrom each LED based illumination device comprises detecting a sequenceof images of the modulated light emitted from each LED basedillumination device, the method further comprising: determining alocation of each identified LED based illumination device in thesequence of images; and associating an identity of each identified LEDbased illumination devices with each corresponding determined locationin the sequence of images; wherein determining the group of the LEDbased illumination devices based on the detected modulated light and theidentities of the LED based illumination devices comprises determiningthe group of the LED based illumination devices based on the associatedidentity and the location of each of the LED based illumination devices.9. The method of claim 8, wherein determining the group of the LED basedillumination devices based on the associated identity and the locationof each of the LED based illumination devices comprises determiningneighboring LED based illumination devices of a particular LED basedillumination device and forming the group with the particular LED basedillumination device and its neighboring LED based illumination devices.10. A mobile electronic device, comprising: a radio frequencytransceiver; a light detector; and one or more processors configured to:determine a plurality of identities, each associated with a differentLED based illumination device on a lighting communications network,based on one or more signals received by the radio frequencytransceiver; communicate a request to each identified LED basedillumination device with the radio frequency transceiver to modulate alight emitted from each of the LED based illumination devices for aperiod of time; detect with the light detector the modulated lightemitted from each LED based illumination device; and determine a groupof the LED based illumination devices based on the detected modulatedlight and the identities of the LED based illumination devices.
 11. Themobile electronic device of claim 10, wherein the one or more processorsis configured to determine the plurality of identities by beingconfigured to: broadcast with the radio frequency transceiver a requestthat any LED based illumination device that receives the requesttransmits a response providing its identity; and receive with the radiofrequency transceiver responses with the plurality of identities for aplurality of LED based illumination devices.
 12. The mobile electronicdevice of claim 11, wherein the request to modulate the light emittedfrom each of the LED based illumination devices for the period of timecomprises one of a request to dim the light over the period of time or arequest for a variation in intensity at a fixed frequency for the periodof time.
 13. The mobile electronic device of claim 10, wherein the oneor more processors is further configured to cause the radio frequencytransceiver to communicate a message to the LED based illuminationdevices in the group indicating that they are members of the group. 14.The mobile electronic device of claim 10, wherein the one or moreprocessors is configured to detect the modulated light emitted from eachLED based illumination device by being configured to detect an intensityor frequency of the modulated light emitted from each LED basedillumination device, the one or more processors is further configuredto: associate an identity of each identified LED based illuminationdevices with each detected intensity or frequency; wherein the one ormore processors is configured to determine the group of the LED basedillumination devices based on the detected modulated light and theidentities of the LED based illumination devices by being configured todetermine the group of the LED based illumination devices based on theidentities of the LED based illumination devices and associated detectedintensities or frequencies.
 15. The mobile electronic device of claim14, wherein the light detector comprises one of an imaging sensor or anon-imaging sensor.
 16. The mobile electronic device of claim 14,wherein the one or more processors is configured to determine the groupof the LED based illumination devices based on the identities of the LEDbased illumination devices and the associated detected intensities orfrequencies by using relative values.
 17. The mobile electronic deviceof claim 10, wherein the one or more processors is configured to detectthe modulated light emitted from each LED based illumination device bybeing configured to detect a sequence of images of the modulated lightemitted from each LED based illumination device, the one or moreprocessors is further configured to: determine a location of eachidentified LED based illumination device in the sequence of images; andassociate an identity of each identified LED based illumination deviceswith each corresponding determined location in the sequence of images;wherein the one or more processors is configured to determine the groupof the LED based illumination devices based on the detected modulatedlight and the identities of the LED based illumination devices by beingconfigured to determine the group of the LED based illumination devicesbased on the associated identity and the location of each of the LEDbased illumination devices.
 18. The mobile electronic device of claim17, wherein the one or more processors is configured to determine thegroup of the LED based illumination devices based on the associatedidentity and the location of each of the LED based illumination devicesby being configured to determine neighboring LED based illuminationdevices of a particular LED based illumination device and forming thegroup with the particular LED based illumination device and itsneighboring LED based illumination devices.